KABUL, Afghanistan, July 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Afghan presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani on Friday in Kabul to discuss the country's political transition.

Both candidates are awaiting the final tally from the June 14 presidential run-off. A preliminary count released by the Independent Election Commission on Monday showed Ghani with a slight lead over Abdullah. Abudllah has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the election and alleged fraud.

In a Twitter message accompanying photos of him with Abdullah and Ghani on Friday, Kerry wrote that it's "Important that outcome of election is capable of unifying all."

Prior to his meetings with Abdullah and Ghani, Kerry spoke about the importance of legitimacy and unity.

"It is important that whoever is president is recognized by the people as having become president through a legitimate process, and that a government be one that can unify the people and lead into the future.

"The results that were announced on Monday are preliminary; they are neither authoritative nor final..."

Speaking alongside Ghani, Kerry expressed "high hopes that the questions about the election will be resolved quickly, can be resolved, and that a way forward can take place which can give Afghans confidence that they have a presidency and a government that is capable of unifying all Afghans and building a road to the future."

Final election results are expected July 22.

Kerry was also scheduled to meet with out-going President Hamid Karzai.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.